Cumulative loneliness and subsequent memory function and rate of decline among adults aged ≥50 in the United States, 1996 to 2016: Cumulative loneliness and memory aging in the US. Issue 2 (3rd August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yu, Xuexin; Westrick, Ashly C.; Kobayashi, Lindsay C.
• Is Part Of: Alzheimer's & dementia. Volume 19:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: 578
• Page End: 588
• Publication Date: 2022-08-03
• Subjects: loneliness trajectories -- memory aging -- middle aged -- older adults -- United States; Alzheimer's disease -- Periodicals; Alzheimer Disease -- Periodicals; Dementia -- Periodicals; Démence; Maladie d'Alzheimer; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 616.83
• DOI: 10.1002/alz.12734
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1552-5260

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: The study objective was to investigate the association between loneliness duration and memory function over a 20‐year period. Methods: Data were from 9032 adults aged ≥50 in the Health and Retirement Study. Loneliness status (yes vs. no) was assessed biennially from 1996 to 2004 and its duration was categorized as never, 1 time point, 2 time points, and ≥3 time points. Episodic memory was assessed from 2004 to 2016 as a composite of immediate and delayed recall trials combined with proxy‐reported memory. Mixed‐effects linear regression models were fitted. Results: A longer duration of loneliness was associated with lower memory scores ( P < 0.001) and a faster rate of decline ( P < 0.001). The association was stronger among adults aged ≥65 than those aged <65 (three‐way interaction P = 0.013) and was stronger among women than men (three‐way interaction P = 0.002). Discussion: Cumulative loneliness may be a salient risk factor for accelerated memory aging, especially among women aged ≥65. Highlight: A longer duration of loneliness was associated with accelerated memory aging. The association was stronger among women than men and among older adults than the younger. Reducing loneliness in mid‐ to late life may help maintain memory function.